Uber driver rejects more trips as gas tops $4 per gallon
By Chloe Adams
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ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — Gas prices have surpassed the $4 mark across North Carolina due to global oil supply disruptions tied to the war in Iran, and local rideshare drivers struggling to make up for the increased costs are changing how they operate.
Joel Bender, an Uber driver from Buncombe County, said he has been turning down more trips than he accepts to offset heightened fuel costs.
“Right now, I’m at a 10% acceptance rate, and I’m at about a 20% cancel rate,” Bender said.
AAA reports prices across the state are averaging out around $4.17 for a gallon of regular as of May 13, 2026. Meanwhile, the national average is spilling above $4.50 — about $1.50 more since the war started.
Bender said he is questioning whether or not he is getting back how much he spends to pump gas into his tank. Bender, a nearly decade-long rideshare driver, said he is not alone in this.
“There’s still some drivers who just say, ‘Listen, I’m going to make sure that I’m not screwed on this ride,’” Bender said.
Bender created a Facebook group with almost 700 members — a place where rideshare drivers can connect and support one another.
He said drivers part of this group have opened up to him about how they are dealing with these rising costs. Bender said the gas hike is especially burdensome on people whose primary income comes from rideshare driving.
“There are a number of drivers who do this to put food on the table and to make their monthly obligations,” Bender said.
He said more drivers — even ones who’ve been driving for years — are choosing to steer clear from the business altogether, no longer helping some pay their bills.
AAA said gas prices are averaging out to be the highest they have been since 2022 with other states, like California, exceeding $6 for a gallon.
While Uber said it is expanding its fuel discount program for drivers and couriers through May 26, Bender said this is still not enough to help him make up for losses.
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